Whitefish-Baggage Fees

Schweitzer opposes Amtrak baggage fees for skiers

   WHITEFISH, Mont. (AP) -- Montana Gov. Brian Schweitzer says a plan by
Amtrak to charge a $10 baggage fee for skies and snowboards will unfairly
affect the Flathead Valley.
   The Flathead Beacon reports  that Schweitzer visited Whitefish Depot on
Friday and says the policy singles out Whitefish and that it's a "knuckleheaded idea."
   Amtrak passengers have been allowed in the past to being four pieces of baggage,
two of which can be carried on free of charge.
   Whitefish Mountain Resort officials say 14 percent of skiers heading to Whitefish
arrive on the Empire Builder.
   Schweitzer sent a letter to Amtrak President Joseph Boardman saying the
proposed policy could hurt tourism and the town's partnership with the passenger
railroad.
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   Information from: Flathead Beacon
   AP-WF-11-17-12 2154GMT